Travel + Leisure: Your quick guide to travel in style and a slow living lifestyle.

Welcome to Baguio City!

When in doubt, travel north. Baguio City is one of the destinations that I frequent. Having the good food, cool weather, numerous parks and tourist spots, and just doing nothing at the comfort of your soft bed and warm sheets or overlooking the city over a hot cup of coffee, tea or chocolate. Ahh... what a wonderful world having an amazing life! It’s Christmas time in the city and most people are already planning to go to the summer capital of the Philippines – BAGUIO CITY!

I am one of those individuals planning to spend Christmas in a much colder place. Perhaps, others just want to have a quick escape to the busy and chaotic world of the metropolis, away from the never-ending workload in the office, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life or just, well, wanted to enjoy and spend holidays up north and close to pine trees. And if you really want to do so, please give yourself a favor by planning ahead of time as the place gets crowded during Christmas season that’s why booking an accommodation in Baguio City should be done as early as possible and when I say as early as possible, you should start looking for a place to stay whether hotel or inn by now. With that having said, let me help you with this quick travel guide in the city of pines, Baguio City!

The Forest Lodge lobby

Azalea Residences Baguio

Stay

Azalea Residences Baguio – located along Leonard Wood Loop where the well-known Teacher’s Camp and Botanical Garden are just a minute walk away. Laperal Mansion is also nearby. Thus, if you’re going to spend your day roaming and exploring around, then might as well, consider this hotel because accessibility to public transportation and nearby parks and tourist spots is one of the pros of Azalea Residences Baguio. They also have rooms with up to 3-bedrooms to accommodate those traveling in a group or with love ones.

The Forest Lodge – If you want a peaceful holiday wherein pine trees are your neighbors and some chirping birds then this hotel is for you. It is located in Camp John Hay. The ambiance is so serene and relaxing and what I love about this hotel is that they have music & library room where you can indulge for an afternoon music feast or just by simply reading your favorite book.

Camo John Hay

See & Do

BenCab Museum – spend your day appreciating arts and crafts at BenCab Museum. Though, there’s an entrance fee of Php150.00, seeing those “obra” of National Artist Mr. Benedicto Reyes Cabrera is worth every penny. They’re wonderful and the story that each painting bestowed is overwhelming and powerful.

Burnham Park – my favorite place! Well, I love biking here as there’s a lot of people biking most especially, kids. It is great to experience that sometime in your life, there is a place where you can be a kid again and play with them. And it is nice to know that so far, I have found one of my happy places. There’s a lot of activities you can do here – there’s a soccer/football field, day dreaming while in the boat/swan-ride or by simply sitting in the bench observing people around or do nothing but breath a fresh air.

Tam-awan Village – want to immerse yourself in the culture of Baguio City? Then, I would recommend visiting this place. Here you can see what the old life of Baguio City people look like, the houses, the way they dress, and the way of their living ages ago.

Mines View Park – have an overlooking view of the city. Well, it always feels great to be on top of the world, right?

The Mansion – the official summer residence of the President. So, better have a photo-op in one of the most visited spot in Baguio City.

Camp John Hay – a bit far from the happenings in the city but it is the most colder and quiet place. If you’re up for shopping spree then, Camp John Hay should be first on your to-see-list due to the factory outlets located here that sells original items at a cheaper price. Nike, Adidas, to name a few are available here. So, shop ‘til you drop!

Kiwi Cake

Eat & Drink

The Café Ruins – their breakfast is the best! Oh, the soft pancakes and tender tapa meat are to die for! The best breakfast you could ever have when in Baguio City.

The Café Ruins Dua – and yes, their second branch! It is more of modern style wherein walls were installed with family’s captured photographs. Best place to chill and hang around with friends over a hot cup of coffee... and pastries.

Kiwi’s Bread and Pastry Shop – taste some authentic Kiwi bread at Kiwi’s Bread and Pastry Shop. Right after visiting Mines View Park better take a rest and indulge yourself with flavorful breads and pastries.

Chocolate-de-Batirol – your Baguio trip wouldn’t be complete without having a hot cup of chocolate made of real cocoa. The bittersweet taste of it is so good and comforting! They also serve breakfast and other dishes such as puto-bumbong, bibingka, and other Pinoy fares.

Oh My Gulay! – of course, Baguio City has the freshest vegetables! Oh My Gulay is located along Session Road and also a must-try! So, vegan lovers I’m sure you’ll going to love this place.

Tradisyon – Pinoy Comfort Food – this restaurant is located in Azalea Residences Baguio. They offer typical Filipino-style foods; walk-ins are welcome so it is not necessarily that you’ll be a hotel guest.

Good to know

Don’t forget your jacket or kimono/kaftan as the weather gets colder by night. Taxi has no air-con and even hotel rooms has no air-con as well but fan comes handy whenever you need it. Enjoy shopping in the night market, as clothes are sold for as low as Php10. For souvenirs – different kind of keychains, displays and snacks are available. Don’t forget your Ube Jam and Lengua de Gato from Good Shepherd as they really taste good plus you’re able to help the kids that Good Shepherd support. And the best pasalubong at all times – walis!